Departures

Beth stayed with us a couple nights because of car trouble.  We watched a great movie called Departures.  Strongly recommended!  Explores a topic we rarely think about but that is extremely important.

Protagonist loses job as a cellist in a symphony orchestra.  The only job he can find is as an undertaker.

This is a beuatiful, thought-provoking Japanese film about a young man who bravely does what he must do, and grows a lot in the process.  There are some awkward, unpleasant moments in the beginning, where you wonder if he will give up. He has so much to lose.  There is also some inevitable dark humor.  But by the end of the movie, many parts of the hero's life have come together and re-connected through his new profession. 


As with so many other Japanese disciplines, such as  ikebana, chanoyu, etc.,  this one is austerely beautiful.  It serves to bring dignity and beautiful memories to grieving families.


There is a learning curve for the young man.  But his mastering of this new discipline has much in common with his cello playing, which he has had to stop doing professionally but not in his personal life.  In fact he has returned to his roots by giving up his professional cello and re-connecting with his first cello.


This is a wonderful movie about  going home.


Everyone should see it.